Slip of the Tongue

Slip of the Tongue is the eighth studio album by the British hard rock band Whitesnake, released on 7 November 1989 in the US, by Geffen Records and six days later in Europe, by EMI. The album marked a continuation of the band's commercial success, following their multi-platinum performance of their 1987 self-titled release. Known for its polished production and a shift toward a more technical, virtuosic guitar style, the album features guitarist Steve Vai, who recorded the majority after guitarist Adrian Vandenberg was sidelined by a wrist injury. This was Keith Olsen's second and final appearance producing the group's release, while Mike Clink received the only co-producing credit for the group.

Slip of the Tongue became the group's second consecutive album to go on to the top ten of the Billboard 200 chart in the United States and the sixth consecutive in the UK Albums Chart, both peaking at number ten. The album managed to peak at number one in Finland, making it the only top album in Whitesnake's discography to ever chart. It managed to achieve platinum status by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in the US and gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) in the UK and has sold over four million worldwide. Despite modest sales, it received mixed critical reception, with some reviewers praising Vai’s musicianship while others felt it diverged from the band's blues-based roots. The album spawned several singles—"Fool for Your Loving" (a re-recording of the band's 1980 hit), "The Deeper the Love," and "Now You're Gone"—all of which received substantial radio and MTV music video airplay. It was the final studio album to be released through Geffen as they were dropped from the label after the Greatest Hits tour by the end of 1994.

The album was supported by an extensive Liquor & Poker world tour, during which the band shared stages with acts such as Aerosmith and Bad English. Over the years, Slip of the Tongue has become a subject of debate among fans and critics alike, regarding over Coverdale's collaboration with Vai regarding their "radio-friendly" approach on sound. Lyrically, the album establishes to the band's usual trademark themes of passion, usage of sexual innuendos, and sensuality. Tracks like "The Deeper the Love" explore emotional intimacy and longing, while songs such as "Fool for Your Loving" and "Now You're Gone" reflect on romantic disillusionment and resilience.